Gate of Dimensions

[Act 1] Chapter 24: Two Soldiers

In the meeting room of Wünsdorf, August von Mackensen, an old veteran who is supposed to be years into retirement after his great service to the nation, donning his old Prussian hussar uniform and wearing his intimidating Totenkopf hat with pride, sat in between his son, Eberhard von Mackensen, and several officers of various high ranks, behind a massive round table, debating each other on the state of the country's military presence while looking deep into a 3D holographic projection of the situations in both the east and western frontiers.

The situation was a matter that even the lowest-ranking officers can tend to. With the gradual rise of technology in the Reich to the creations of such massive superweapons, the Wehrmacht was more than just a deterrent to the western and eastern powers. Hell, if the world was smarter, they'd unite all their forces, because nothing is going to stop the German war machine with such inferior technology and outdated doctrines. France and Britain might as well concede defeat right now. But right now, they are on edge after the failed invasion of America, which cost them a vital location right next to the British Isles itself. Now, they think they need the Fascist CSA to save themselves from imminent destruction. Truly, it was a pathetic display of someone trying so hard to resist the looming threat of the German World Hegemony.

It all boils down to the side who is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

When Werner finally got the courage and entered the room, he didn't know what fate brought him to be blessed to be in the presence of such dignified men, but it was one he would savour. The only one who was missing was Robert Ritter von Greim of the Luftwaffe. Werner couldn't help but feel honoured to be graced in the Last Hussar's presence, a figure of a man any officer from Prussia and perhaps all of the German states desire to be. The only other officer Werner recognized was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine himself; Karl Dönitz, the one who turned his entire fleet in East Prussia against the Nazis, earning him another presence that he doesn't deserve at all.

As the holographic projection shut off, everyone at the table turned to look at the young man who entered the meeting room. The looks on their faces were of confusion, all except the Hussar, meaning he was the only one who knew of the meeting.

When August rose up, Werner caught a glimpse of the Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross on the Hussar's chest, the highest military decoration in all of German history, one that was first given Gebhard von Blücher in 1815 for his part in the victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and to Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg on 25 March 1918 for his efforts of the 1918 Spring Offensive of the Great War. Now, rested upon the chest of August von Mackensen, right next to his Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the second-highest decoration he got during the Great War. This was the amount of prestige and grandeur Werner wanted to attain in his lifetime of military leadership, especially if he gets to be a high-ranking officer at such an early age. Though, he knew it depends on how much he is willing to put in the effort.

"August von Mackensen, eine Freude, Sie kennenzulernen." Werner greeted, removing his hat and bowing, trying his best to show absolute respect. August von Mackensen, a pleasure to meet you.

"In English, please," August ordered, "I need to practice before that Erenn fellow comes to discuss his coalition plan, as incredibly tiresome as that is. I am in an age where I should be retiring to some villa somewhere with servants performing my every whim and yet I have to educate myself to speak the English language?"

"I understand, I am not that willing to speak their language, but I feel it is the only way to communicate without translators or sign languages."

August raised his hand to stop him. "Please stop, you sound like the boy."

Werner looked puzzled. "Boy?"

"The bloody Kaiser. Twenty years since I was in his service and he still commands me like we didn't go through a civil war to put him back on his throne. But, enough about that. Sit down in the only vacant seat."